How Much is 1 kg Mobile Scrap Worth

How Much is 1 kg Mobile Scrap Worth: Current Prices & Selling Guide (2026)

Old and broken mobile phones aren’t just outdated gadgets they’re a valuable source of precious metals and electronic components, including gold, silver, copper, aluminum, and rare earth elements. These metals are recovered and reused in electronics manufacturing, making mobile scrap an in-demand commodity. Many sellers and recyclers often ask, “How much is 1 kg of mobile scrap worth?”, but prices vary depending on the phone’s components, condition, and current market trends. Selling without up-to-date knowledge can lead to significant losses.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of mobile scrap pricing, highlighting which devices and components are most valuable, the factors that affect rates, and actionable tips for selling efficiently. You’ll learn how to identify high-value parts, sort devices, and connect with trusted buyers to get the best price per kilogram.

Whether you’re an individual decluttering your home, a small electronics reseller, or a bulk recycler, understanding mobile scrap pricing and preparation is key to maximizing profits. Even broken or outdated phones contain metals and components that can generate significant returns if handled and sold correctly. With the right approach, your old phones can go from being waste to a profitable resource.

Current Mobile Scrap Prices (2026)

If you’re wondering, “how much is 1 kg of mobile scrap worth?”, the value depends on the type of device, the components it contains, and its condition. Below is a detailed overview of typical mobile scrap prices in Australia, helping sellers estimate potential earnings and plan their recycling or resale strategy efficiently.

Mobile Scrap Price Table

Mobile Scrap Category	Price (AUD/kg)	Notes
Mixed Mobile Phones	$15 – $35	Includes phones of varied brands and models. Price depends on age, condition, and weight of valuable components like PCBs and metal casing.
Sorted Smartphone Scrap	$20 – $45	Higher pricing achieved when smartphones are sorted by model, brand, or metal content. High-end or older models with valuable metals fetch premium rates.
Mobile Phone PCBs/Boards	$25 – $50	Printed circuit boards contain gold, copper, and other precious metals, making them the highest-value component of mobile scrap.
Battery-Removed Phones	$18 – $40	Removing batteries improves metal purity and reduces safety risks, often leading to better per kg pricing.
Old Feature Phones	$10 – $25	Lower value due to smaller amounts of precious metals. Still worth recycling for copper and minor gold content.

Note: Prices fluctuate with global precious metal markets, electronics recycling demand, and local buyer rates.

Pricing Insights

Understanding these price ranges can help you maximize returns per kg of mobile scrap:

Mixed mobile scrap has a wide price range – The overall price depends heavily on condition, brand, and metal content. Sorting phones increases resale value.
PCB boards are the most valuable – Extracting or selling circuit boards separately can significantly increase overall profit.
Removing batteries adds value – Lithium-ion batteries require careful handling; removing them increases purity and reduces risks, often boosting per kg pricing.
High-end or older smartphones often fetch better rates – Devices with larger metal content, such as aluminum casing or high-density PCBs, are more profitable.
Small feature phones have lower value but still contribute to total earnings – Collecting them in bulk can still generate a worthwhile return.

Factors That Affect Mobile Scrap Value

The price of mobile scrap is influenced by multiple factors, including device type, metal content, sorting, and market demand. Understanding these can help you maximize your earnings per kilogram and sell more efficiently.

1. Device Type & Brand

Not all mobile phones are equal in value:

Smartphones generally fetch higher scrap value than feature phones because they contain more metals, including copper, gold, and aluminum.
Premium brands often contain higher-density circuit boards, better quality connectors, and more recoverable metals, increasing per kg pricing.
Older smartphones or models with aluminum casing and high metal content are particularly profitable.

2. Component Content

The specific components in a mobile phone determine its scrap value:

Printed circuit boards (PCBs), CPUs, and connectors contain gold, copper, and rare earth elements, making them highly valuable.
Batteries add weight but require careful handling due to lithium content. While they increase total price, improper handling may reduce offers or create safety issues.
Screens, casings, and small metallic connectors also contribute to overall value, though to a lesser extent than PCBs or CPUs.

3. Purity & Sorting

Cleanliness and organization directly affect resale value:

Sorted phones by type, brand, or metal content attract better prices because buyers spend less time separating and processing scrap.
Mixed scrap or unsorted devices generally fetch lower per kg rates, as buyers account for the extra labor involved in separating valuable components.
Removing batteries and non-metallic parts also increases purity, safety, and resale potential.

4. Market Demand

Global and local market conditions impact scrap pricing:

Copper, gold, and silver prices fluctuate on global commodity markets, which affects the rates offered for mobile scrap.
Electronics recycling demand also plays a key role high demand periods may result in better offers for sorted smartphones and PCBs.
Seasonality can influence quotes: bulk collections during office or school upgrades may see temporary price spikes.

How to Sell Mobile Scrap

Selling mobile scrap efficiently requires organization, safety, and accurate information. Following these steps ensures you get the best possible price per kilogram while minimizing risk.

Step 1 – Collect & Sort Phones

Proper collection and sorting maximize resale value:

Separate phones by condition: Working devices, broken phones, and phones with batteries removed should be grouped separately.
Group similar models together: Buyers often pay more for bulk lots of the same model or brand because it simplifies processing.
Organize by type of device: Smartphones, feature phones, and specialty devices (like older tablets or PDAs) can have different scrap values.

Step 2 – Remove Hazardous Components

Safe handling is critical when dealing with mobile scrap:

Remove batteries carefully: Lithium-ion batteries can pose fire or chemical hazards. Store them in a cool, dry place and keep them separate from other scrap.
Separate PCBs and connectors: Circuit boards contain valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper. Keeping them sorted ensures higher resale value.
Avoid mixing hazardous items like liquids, broken screens with sharp glass, or chemicals with other scrap.

Step 3 – Weigh Accurately

Accurate weight measurement is essential for fair payment:

Use digital scales to weigh each category of scrap (smartphones, PCBs, batteries, feature phones) separately.
Record weights in a simple log for quotes and payment verification.
Ensure items are clean, dry, and free of loose parts, which makes weighing easier and increases buyer confidence.

Step 4 – Compare Buyers

Finding the right buyer ensures maximum returns:

Local e-waste recyclers or scrap yards: Convenient for smaller quantities and immediate payment.
Online platforms: Offer instant quotes, comparison of multiple buyers, and secure payment options. Trusted platforms in Australia include:
- Scrap Trade – Nationwide network of buyers with secure transactions.
- Scrap Trade Australia – Ideal for bulk or industrial-grade mobile scrap.
- Scrap Trade Now – Fast quoting and flexible pickup or drop-off options.

Step 5 – Get Quotes & Sell

Once your scrap is sorted and weighed, it’s time to sell:

Provide clear details: Include the type of devices, component condition, weights, and optionally photos to get better pricing.
Schedule pickup or drop-off: Choose the most convenient and cost-effective method for you. Bulk pickups can reduce transport effort and speed up transactions.
Confirm payment method: Ensure payment is secure before delivery online transfers, verified platforms, or cash-on-delivery are recommended options.

ips to Maximize Mobile Scrap Value

To get the best price per kilogram for mobile scrap, it’s essential to prepare your devices and components carefully. Following these tips ensures you maximize profits while minimizing risk:

1. Sort Phones by Brand and Condition

Group devices by brand and model: Premium smartphones (like iPhones or Samsung Galaxy) often contain more precious metals than basic feature phones. Sorting by brand helps buyers assign accurate value.
Separate by condition: Working phones, broken phones, and devices with batteries removed should be categorized separately. Clean, functioning devices can sometimes fetch additional value.

Example: 1 kg of sorted high-end smartphones may sell for $35–$45, while mixed or unsorted phones could fetch only $15–$25/kg.

2. Remove Batteries Before Selling

Lithium-ion batteries add weight but require safe handling. Removing them reduces hazards and can improve overall scrap purity.
Store batteries separately in a cool, dry place to comply with safety regulations. Many buyers price batteries individually, so separating them can increase total revenue.

3. Separate PCBs and Metal-Rich Parts

Printed circuit boards (PCBs), connectors, and internal metals contain gold, copper, silver, and rare earth elements. Separating these from the rest of the phone increases per kg value.
Even small parts like SIM trays, connectors, and tiny screws add value when collected in bulk.

4. Sell in Bulk for Higher Per Kg Pricing

Buyers prefer bulk lots because it reduces processing time and shipping costs.
Collecting multiple phones of the same type or component before selling can increase per kg rates.
Consistent bulk sales may help establish long-term relationships with buyers, leading to better negotiated prices over time.

5. Compare Multiple Buyer Quotes Before Closing a Deal

Always get quotes from several buyers both local e-waste recyclers and online platforms.
Trusted online platforms like Scrap Trade, Scrap Trade Australia, and Scrap Trade Now provide instant quotes and safe transaction options.
Comparing buyers ensures you get competitive rates and avoid underpricing your scrap.

FAQs on Mobile Scrap

Here are the most frequently asked questions about selling mobile phones, components, and electronic scrap, along with practical answers to help you get the best value.

Q1: How much is 1 kg of mobile scrap worth?

The price of 1 kg of mobile scrap ranges widely based on device type, condition, and sorting:

Mixed mobile phones: $15 – $35/kg
Sorted smartphones: $20 – $45/kg
Mobile PCBs/boards: $25 – $50/kg
Battery-removed phones: $18 – $40/kg
Old feature phones: $10 – $25/kg

Q2: Which mobile scrap items have the highest value?

Mobile PCBs and internal circuit boards contain gold, copper, and other precious metals, making them the most valuable scrap components.
Sorted smartphones, especially high-end models, also fetch premium rates because of their metal content and ease of processing.
Batteries, while valuable, are usually priced separately due to safety handling requirements.

Q3: Does removing batteries increase mobile scrap value?

Yes, removing batteries increases the purity of metal scrap and can improve overall pricing:

Lithium-ion batteries are hazardous and reduce the per kg price if left inside phones.
Selling batteries separately may add additional revenue, especially when handled and shipped according to safety regulations.

Q4: Can I sell broken mobile phones for scrap?

Absolutely. Even non-working or broken phones contain valuable metals, including copper, gold, silver, and aluminum.

Broken devices should be sorted into categories like smartphones, feature phones, and PCBs to ensure maximum resale value.
Collecting small parts like connectors and screws in bulk can also contribute to total earnings.

Q5: Where can I sell mobile scrap safely?

Certified e-waste recyclers or local scrap yards offer secure options for both small and bulk quantities.
Online platforms provide instant quotes, multiple buyer comparison, and safer transactions:

Understanding how much 1 kg of mobile scrap is worth is the first step to selling your old phones and components with confidence and maximizing returns. Even broken or outdated devices contain precious metals like gold, silver, and copper, which add significant value when processed correctly.

To get the most from your mobile scrap:

Sort devices by type, brand, and condition – grouping smartphones, feature phones, and PCBs separately increases per kg pricing.
Remove hazardous components like batteries safely – this not only improves scrap purity but also reduces safety risks.
Weigh scrap accurately – precise measurements ensure you receive fair payment for each component.
Compare multiple buyers – using verified platforms helps you secure competitive rates and safe transactions.

Platforms like Scrap Trade, Scrap Trade Australia, and Scrap Trade Now make it easy to get instant quotes, schedule pickups, and sell safely, whether you’re clearing out a few old phones or managing bulk quantities.

By taking these steps, you can transform old mobile devices, batteries, and PCBs from e-waste into cash, ensuring you never undervalue your scrap. Start preparing your mobile scrap today, and turn unused electronics into a reliable source of profit.